RTÉ PHILHARMONIC CHOIR, RTÉ NSO/GERHARD MARKSON NCH, Dublin Fri 8pm €10-€35 01-4170000

It’s the end of an era at the National Concert Hall on Friday. Gerhard Markson ends his term as principal conductor, a term that began in 2001 and brought stability and security to the playing and programming of the orchestra.

The final concert couples Strauss (an early focus) and Mahler (whose symphonies Markson conducted in 2006 and 2007, giving Irish music lovers their first opportunity to hear all of the symphonies in a single season).

For the farewell he's chosen Strauss's Oboe Concerto (with Stefan Schilli) and Mahler's Resurrection Symphony, with Franzita Whelan, Jane Irwin and the RTÉ Philharmonic Choir. RTÉ has yet to announce Markson's successor with the RTÉ NSO, and William Eddins was not replaced as chief guest conductor when his contract expired two years ago. Still, there will be some continuity after Markson goes. He will return to conduct four concerts in the 2009-10 subscription series.